People were woken by a huge explosion as flames ripped through a lawn mower repair shop.

A gas cannister at Court Mower Services in Lewes blew up at about 5.45am today) as the fire destroyed the workshop.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze at the single-storey building, in Harveys Way, next to the town's iconic brewery.

Witnesses reported flames leaping up to 30-feet in the air.

Adjacent buildings, including Harveys, were was also affected by the heat and smoke but firefighters managed to stop the majority of the flames from spreading.

Kevin Porter, who took over the lawn mower business just 18 months ago, said he had worked 24 hours a day to get it up to date.

Mr Porter, who lives in Peacehaven, said: “I'm gutted."

Andy Gausden, Lewes watch commander, said the building was all but destroyed by the heat and smoke.

Firefighters wore breathing masks and sprayed foam to smother the flames and cut away parts of the roof and walls that were still smouldering.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation but is not being treated as suspicious.